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Edition 37 2020
Nutrition
We know that for thousands of years, prior to colonisation, Aboriginal peoples have been using “bush tucker� and foods provided from the country. Our diets were seasonal, consisting of high protein, complex carbohydrates, micronutrients, and polyunsaturated fats while low in sugars and saturated fat. Very similar to the messaging found today in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating! Although, today we are using Western science to compare bush tucker with common introduced fruits and foods, and finding Aboriginal foods to be superior in quality and health benefit potential! Since colonisation, Aboriginal food consumption has drastically changed, however today these foods are still consumed and harvested and even offered commercially. Below are some of the great Aboriginal (super)foods which can be commercially purchased and used in your everyday cooking and diet. Words Michael Watkins Artwork Tabitha Lean
Quandongs Displays outstanding antioxidant capacity and has comparable levels of Vitamin E with an avocado. Quandongs can be commonly purchased as a jam and used on toast, pies and stews. Quandong jams can be purchased online and from some local stores.
Kangaroo Kangaroo fillet is an extremely lean meat compared to regular red meat options such as beef, and is also a high source of iron. Kangaroo tails are consumed within the Aboriginal community as a type of delicacy. Kangaroo meat is best enjoyed in a variety of dishes and can be purchased from Adelaide Central Markets and major supermarkets.
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